Let’s talk about birth control

Colorful oral contraceptive pill both 21 and 28 tablets strips.

By Diamond Buckley

When considering birth control options, it’s important to keep in mind how no birth control universally works the same for every person. Some will make you gain or lose weight, some make you overly emotional, and some might not have any effect at all. With so many options, it can seem overwhelming to decide which birth control is the best option for you. Any decision you make should be ran by your doctor as well, but we’re here to help make that choice a little easier.

There’s countless kinds of birth control, but there are some that are more popular than others. We all know about the pill, so let’s talk about the other variations. One form of birth control that is becoming extremely popular is the IUD. IUD stands for Intrauterine device and it’s a tiny device that’s inserted into your cervix. IUD’s 99% effective and are popular because of the longevity of their use and because of how low maintenance they are. Depending on the IUD, it won’t need to be replaced for approximately 3-12 years. Most people explain that during the process of the IUD insertion, you might feel slight pain and cramping, but afterwards you feel completely normal.

Another type of birth control you can just insert and forget about is the implant. The implant is a tiny rod that is inserted into your arm in a virtually painless procedure. Before insertion, your arm is numbed with an injection and then shortly after the implant itself is inserted. The implant is 99% effective and can last up to four years.

One option that doesn’t last quite as long as the previous birth control options, is the Depo shot. The Depo Shot is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an injected shot given by a nurse or doctor that lasts up to three months. The Depo shot lasts a significant amount less than the IUD and implant and is only 94% effective as well. While it is still an option that is still used, it isn’t one of the most popular options.

Besides the pill, these types of birth controls are some of the most used. While they each serve the same purpose, they each work differently. It’s important to consult with your doctor before making a decision on the birth control method, so you can be positive on which one works for you!